New York, NY (Sports Network) - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers and Seattle Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant were named the NFC's top Week 16 performers.
Ryan earned the offensive honor after completing 25-of-32 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns for a 142.6 passer rating in the Falcons' 31-18 win at Detroit. Atlanta clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with the victory.
Peppers received defensive honors after recording three sacks, a forced fumble, five tackles and a pass defensed in the Bears' 28-13 win at Arizona. It marked his ninth career game with at least three sacks.
The special teams award went to Bryant, who blocked a field goal that was returned for a touchdown in the Seahawks' 42-13 win over San Francisco. Richard Sherman returned the blocked field goal 90 yards for a touchdown, the third-longest such return in NFL history.
With the victory, Seattle clinched a playoff berth and remains in contention for the NFC West division title.
